Thank you so much for the E-arc NetGalley and Harpervoyageruk and Harpercollinsuk!
Where should I start? How should I start?!
This book exceeded everything I wanted from the second volume!
The world building, the politics, the magical realm and of course the romance between Talasyn and Alaric.
Their relationship is as fragile as it is strong and grows stronger and more unforgettable with every page turned!
Quite literally a monsoon of emotions and being torn between one side and the other you really feel you belong to!
There were scenes where I laughed, almost cried and really rooted for them. Scenes that will stay with me for a long time. A certain library scene definitely did!
Not only Talasyn and Alaric have grown on me, but also characters like Sevraim with his charm and his constant antics and sayings, Elagbi with his fatherly protective instinct and and and!
I’m down for them! I really, really like them and I think I’ll just read everything Thea writes!
If you already liked „The Hurricane Wars“, you will be thrilled by „A Monsoon Rising“!

💫Enemies to Lovers
💫Shadow and Light
💫Political Marriage
💫Dragons

I can’t wait for you guys to read the book! I loved it and the release date is getting closer and closer!
On 05.12.2024 the time has finally come!!!

Oh, I liked this a lot more than the first one! I felt a lot more chemistry between the couple and unlike the first book, in this one I didn't feel bored at any point (quite the opposite actually). I was super curious to read this sequel bc I *knew* the story had potential and I was so right. I honestly loved that it focused more on the romance than on the politics bc in the first book I couldn't connect much with them but in this one it was top tier 🤌🏻

LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT

1000000/10 Thea you really went hard on book 2 and my man Alaric was THE BOSS.

Talasyn and Alaric are so cute together 😊 I loved that it was both their first time 🌶️

Prince Elagbi is so endearing and I also really enjoyed Sevraim.

I loved the romance progression and the world building was still intriguing. The only reason I couldn't give 5 stars is because of the pacing, all that build up for a very quick resolution. Although that ending has got me craving the next book. I can't wait to see what lengths Alaric will go to 🥰

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

First of all thx to the publishers for an E-ARC of this book! This was one of my most anticipated reads of this year and it did not disappoint. The plot of this book was soooo well done and kept up the political intrigue which made the plot so intriguing and soooo engaging.

Ok now for one of my fav book couples. God their tension and chemistry was soooooooooooo gooood and addicting. I just loved every scene with both of them and their banter is well done. Def kept up my expectations from the first book.

I adored the first book in this series, so I was so excited to be able to also read this one early!
And it did not disappoint, I love Talaysn and Alaric so so much!
This story is just everything I wanted it to be and I can't wait for more!

While I still find the world a little confusing, I absolutely love Talaysn and Alaric, and following their story. These characters are now so close to my heart and all their tumultuous emotions and chemistry really does make me giggle and gasp and kick my feet. But THAT ENDING ?! Without the third book even announced !!! Screaming. Crying. Throwing UP.

I loved this book so much, it was everything I needed and wanted it to be. The tension between Talasyn and Alaric is crackling but they have the sweetest moments in between their bickering. The politics were great in this book and the extra world building we got. I’d love for some more Kesath continent because we know how Talasyn’s people handle being around Alaric but it would be nice to have more vice versa. Lastly, the dragons 💕

I loved the first book; it was refreshing, exciting and actually interesting. This book did live up to my year long dreams, but the love / hate went on just a little too long and the night of the moonless dark was very anticlimactic. After two books preparing for this event, it was clear that it was not the focal point of the plot, so it got lost.

This book was beautifully written in my eyes and I eagerly await book 3. I just hope that their love (finally) comes to fruition so that the story can develop into the full potential that I know it has.

Honestly, Thea smashed it again.

I was so excited to get my hands on this book! I could be more grateful for this arc, THANK YOU NETGALLEY.

This is one of my fave books of the year, I knew I would love it because I cannot get enough of Alaric and Talasyn anyway. But the plot was so thick and the tension was so realistic, it was just brilliant. The pain in Alarics life hurts me and the battle Talasyn is fighting in her head kills me.

I love it, I cannot wait to see where it goes

I absolutely loved it, it was even better than the first book, which was so so good. This story has lots of Alaric and Talasyn and I LIVE for them, I loved every single chapter where they discover each other, where they fight the attraction, where they get better at being with each other. The ending was URGGHHHH. This book isn’t even out yet and I already need the next one, pleaaaaase

A few days have passed since I finished this book, and I still find myself at a loss for words beyond simply: I loved it. The ending left me speechless, making it nearly impossible to gather my thoughts, let alone write a coherent review. How am I supposed to survive that cliffhanger?!

As I mentioned in my review of The Hurricane Wars, despite the mixed opinions on this series, it has become one of my favorite romantasy releases in recent years:
• Thea’s writing is expressive, painting a vivid, lush world that feels both unique and immersive. Whether we’re in the Continent or Nenevar—two strikingly distinct settings—I can picture everything clearly. Her world-building is beautifully done, and though it subtly echoes Star Wars, it stands apart in its own right. And the food descriptions? Absolutely mouthwatering. My senses are always fully engaged when I read her books.
• Enemies-to-lovers is a well-loved trope, but it’s often driven by miscommunication rather than genuine conflict. That’s not the case with Talasyn and Alaric. These two are true enemies, standing on opposite sides of a brutal war with vastly different perspectives. Their attraction, while quick, feels natural, deeply rooted in how they were raised and the things they have in common, which outweigh their divisions.

Monsoon Rising picks up immediately after the events of the previous book, and our beloved couple is now drowning in emotions they shouldn’t feel for each other, and that go against their families, allies, and their very worlds. While there’s some political intrigue in the background, the focus here is primarily on their evolving romance, their training, and the melding of their magic in preparation for the looming threat of the Moonless Dark.

The action scenes are intense, and the romance is beautifully developed. When they finally consummate their relationship (thank you, Thea!), it’s handled perfectly, and the intimacy feels right for their journey.

While I’m not usually a fan of long internal monologues, in this case, I found myself enjoying them. The internal struggles Talasyn and Alaric wrestle with add depth to their character development, and you can feel their growth with each chapter.

From start to finish, this book kept me on edge, anxiously wondering how everything would play out and how their fragile relationship could possibly survive, leaving me wholly unprepared for the ending.

The book only loses one star for me because the Moonless Dark didn’t fully meet my expectations, and I would’ve liked to see more political intrigue woven into the plot. Hopefully, the third book will dive deeper into some loose threads that need to be handled, and cannot be addressed if the story solely focuses on the romance. I am eagerly counting down the days until the next release (and this one is not officially out yet 😅), as I want to see confirmed one big revelation on the third book and the couple’s reaction to it.

<i>I would like to thank HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperVoyager and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.</i>

A Monsoon Rising picks up exactly where The Hurricanes Wars ended, with Alaric back in Kesath awaiting the arrival of Alunsina for her coronations as the Night Empress, and the undergoing preparations for the Night of the World-Eater.

This book, like the first, is packed full of action, intriguing magic, delicious bickering, gorgeous pining, and a swoon-worthy amount of fighting and/or flirting and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was no second book syndrome here, it wasn’t merely a filler, but a continuation and development of everything that was set up in The Hurricane Wars. The union of two strong nations hinging on enemies who are reluctantly softening towards each other while still holding a world of secrets between them, along with a brewing rebellion that threatens to shatter the fragile trust that Alaric and Talasyn have managed to scrape together.

Everything in this book is setting up to rip this unlikely couple apart, with betrayal forming on every side, new enemies unfolding from the shadows and old ones holding strong. With the number of things building up between the two, I’m aching to know if Alaric and Talasyn can withstand all that’s coming for them and if they can finally be true and embrace the feelings that have slowly grown between them. I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next instalment.

WELL. This has just cemented this series as one of my all-time favourites! Tasalyn and Alaric have to deal with the fall out from book 1 and face the looming threats ahead. The stakes are high, the conflict (internal and otherwise) feels very real, and this world is *absolutely*, one of my favourites to get lost in. The dynamic between Tala and Alaric is doubly delicious in this one, and I adore them. The plot is so gripping that I could not put this down.

That cliffhanger was viscious. This one isn't even published until December, and already I NEED the third book. Incredible sequel.

I was super excited for this sequel, as book 1 had almost been a highlight for me - had it not been for the very slow start.
In Hurricane Wars it took me almost a third of the book to get hooked, in Monsoon Rising it feels like Talasyn and Alaric use up about a third of the book to ... hook up (#VeryBadPuns).
Probably perfect for romantasy fans, for me it's always a bit disappointing because I'm in it for the plot and twists and turns and character arcs.

That said, it's a really good middle book of a trilogy. The MCs have to deal with the repercussions of part one, while there's a deadly threat looming over Nenevar.
Talasyn is struggling to come to terms with being in bed with the enemy, thinking herself a traitor. And Alaric keeps trying to do the right thing, despite his abusive father and the politics restraining him.

I still love these two kids with all my heart, and their chemistry of being both hot and stupid with each other is tugging at my heartstrings.
Ultimately, they will have to bring together the light and the dark to survive.

I thought I'd land on four stars, but one long scene about 85% in, plus the ending really got me excited.

4,5/5 stars

Thank you @netgalley and @harpervoyager_uk for the eARC!

#AMonsoonRising #HurricaneWars #KeyloRen #Netgalley #Bookstagram

My two little idiots were so hot and dumb in this second book too. I love them so much!
The plot: amazing
The romance: amazing (I’m screaming)
The cliffhanger: amazing (I’m dying inside)
The tension: amazing (I’m kicking my feet)
The worldbuilding: amazing

TEN TEN TEN ACROSS THE BOARD.

Thanks to HarperVoyager UK, HarperVoyager US, Netgalley and the author for providing me with this ARC!
Full review to come.

Thank you, Harper Voyager UK and Thea Guanzon, for allowing me to review the hottest Netgalley Arc of the year, A Monsoon Rising. Truly honoured and giddy, I got to read before the release on 5th December 2024! I devoured it in under 6 hours. I couldn’t stop myself from reading!
How do you improve on perfection? Up the stakes and make it sexier! A Monsoon Rising is another 5-star read from the creative genius of Thea Guazon, building the fabulous storytelling of the Hurricane Wars with new dangerous political scheming, betrayal lurking in every corner, a cataclysmically magical event threatening to end the world, and an earth-shattering attraction testing Alaric and Talasyn’s loyalties to their marriage, thrones, nations and rebel causes.

Continuing her captivating writing style and entrancing storytelling pull us back to the story with the same flare and quality as The Hurricane Wars with a plot twister with heart-wrenching betrayals, raw charged character journeys testing loyalties and intense emotions, and sizzling chemistry dripping off the pages. Her talent for breathing life into her stunning world with gorgeous descriptions allows a world brimming with magic, mythical creatures, intricately designed cultures and societies, mouth-watering food, and a vast world of vibrant landscapes and distinctive cities to haunt your imagination.

I loved getting more opportunities to see the cast of incredible characters grow and see more heartbreaking insights into their souls. She’s magically plunged the reader deeper into her richly planned characters with more compelling details, new struggles, and intrigues as their eyes open to see the full spectrum of each other’s souls as lines blur and they tiptoe dangerously close to falling off the knife edge.

How’s the romance treating these two enemies-to-lovers since The Hurricane Wars finale? Alaric and Talasyn are still riding those rapids of the river of Denial through tender moments, scorching sexy times, snarling clashes, and biting banter. Toe-curling is good stuff! I loved that one minute; we had revelations of deepening feelings and fell out two chapters later. This troublesome royal duo is progressing through their emotional baggage and trust issues. Deep down, love is taking seed in their uneasy alliance. Alaric’s already a goner – he’s so far gone that he’d burn the world for Talasyn.

A thrilling second chapter of the Hurricane Wars series that doubles down to keep the quality high with immersive storytelling, scorching chemistry, and keeping us on tenterhooks with the tension of divided loyalties dilemmas and the political chaos afoot. I need to give Thea Guarzon the title of queen of cliffhangers. You love to torture us, don’t you? The ending made me scream and cry, wanting to throw up, and my Kindle learned how to fly across the room.

A very important date for your diaries is 5th December 2024 for the UK – heads up warning - this is a must-buy book!

4.5 STARS

This series is shaping up to be one of my favourites!

I felt the pace really picked up in this book, now that Talasyn and Alaric have entered their political marriage. I would still describe the romance as slow-burn although the spice level is definitely turned up a few notches.

I absolutely adore the world Thea Guanzon has created. The cities still feel like they give a subtle nod to Star Wars, and the contrast between Alaric's home and Nenavarene is quite stark which only serves to make Talasyn's home feel that much more warm and inviting.

I hope we get to spend a lot more time with Sevraim and the twins in the next book, I'm eager to explore their relationship and get more of a glimpse into the personalities we have glimpsed so far.

I loved this book! It follows on from The Hurricane Wars and it just keeps getting better and better. The characterisations, the world building, the political intrigue and the slow burn between Alaric and Talasyn is just perfect.

Thea has created the most beautiful and vivid world which is so tangible. I could see the descriptions in my head. I could almost taste the food, feel the water and I was completely immersed in this world.

I loved seeing the Filipino mythology and elements that are perfectly interwoven into the story. It makes for a more unique fantasy world and magic system.

Alaric and Talasyn have both shown immense character growth and seeing their relationship slowly change throughout the books has been one of my favourite things to see. They both have their specific agendas, however, they are finding it more difficult to follow their respective paths. The slow burn was still slow but when it broke, it was just electric. They have the most amazing chemistry and you know they will just keep denying their charging feelings for each other.

The cliffhanger had me screaming and I can't wait until the last book. I just know it will be worth the wait.

4.5 stars.

This was wonderful. The perfect amount of serious, sexy and at some parts silly (Sevarim), Thea Guanzon has beaten the second-book slump in my eyes. I loved learning more about Talasyn and Alaric and see their loyalties be put to the test as they got closer and closer still... and also! There are more dragons in this book, which was one of my gripes with the original. The ending was very intense, and the cliffhanger is sure to make people scream, cry, throw up, etc., but I for one, loved it. It was a great way to show that you can never trust everyone, and the political machinations run deep. I can't wait for book 3.